Despite the de-leaved tree silhouettes lining the darkened skies that early December frequently has to offer, folks are making the most of the remaining mild days in 2023. Outdoor chores, beach walks, cycling and more fill those late afternoon hours in preparation for when the temperatures drop, wood smoke fills the air and pajamas, Netflix and board games sound more appealing than anything outdoorsy.

For all the opportunities early December has to offer, and more, I am thankful.

I am thankful Matt Mayhew took advantage of one of those mild afternoons. Along with Molly’s keen eye, he measured, temporarily affixed, stood back and looked, repositioned and finally settled on the spot that was just right to affix the Lady M lettering across the bow of their new fishing vessel. It was the finishing touch she needed and now she is the picture of perfection sitting pretty along the commercial dock. The lettering, of course, got the stamp of approval from his girls Ida and Luma.

I am thankful Deb Hancock and Patrick Echlin nudged us into the Christmas spirit before wandering off on a little late November walkabout to warmer shores.

I am thankful our Menemsha Crossroad neighbor Bill Smith made his way to Boston for some heavy-duty medical care and, from what I understand from his daughters Sam and Katy, he is on the healing road. That road should soon lead him back to a place where you can toot a hello as you drive by or check in to offer a meal, an errand, or other gesture so he can focus on recovery.

I am thankful shots rang out in the early morning of Monday, Nov. 27. I am hopeful the first day of shotgun season led to a hunter bagging a deer for the freezer. I am not a venison eater myself, but I am proud to know many who ethically live off the land.

I am thankful to have met Elexis Wildanger many years ago as we watched our children, Caitlin and Bradley, share their passion for horses at Pond View Farm. Each year at this time, Elexis hosts the annual foster parent recruitment and informational event. On Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., she will have the doors of her home at 3 Poplar Lane in Oak Bluffs open and social workers will be available to answer any questions you may have about fostering. If you are unable to attend but are truly interested, please call parent resource worker Christopher Russo at 508-760-0275 for more information.

I am thankful for the thought and care Lia Littlefield Kahler put into coordinating Offerings of Music and Light so many years ago. It lives on although she is no longer with us. Her thought was to brighten the darker winter days at a series of free gatherings where artists and musicians could share their talent and bring some extra peace, warmth, light and community spirit to what can be a very dark holiday season.

She would be so pleased to know Sunday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. folks will be able to enjoy Sean McMahon, Missis Biskis, Molly Conole and Mark Lovewell, Loon Lane Players, poet Donald Nitchie, Adele Dreyer and maybe more, along with a candle lighting and refreshments.

I am thankful for Shelley Edmundson’s executive direction of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust (MVFPT). With her perseverance, the group received a $25,000 grant for their seafood donation program. Shelley spoke at the awards ceremony held at the Grange Hall and it was cause for much celebration. To think the MVFPT emerged from an informal meeting of John Keene, Warren Doty, Shelley and myself along the Commercial Dock back in 2011.

I am thankful to have had a quick catch up with Gary Robinson and his German shepherd, Hank. Although the pair now calls Michigan home, they travel back to town on occasion to catch up with friends and touch base with fire department members of which Gary was one. Hank, whom I think has finally filled out to full size, is a gigantic love who is very partial to playing fetch with a rubbery football.